Expressions: pull out the stops, pull strings, pull the plug, pull the rug out

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pull out all the stops

– work as hard as possible, use all that is necessary to complete

• – If you’re going to win this match you’ll have to pull out all the stops. Improve your first service and attack the net.

pull a few strings

– try to use important contacts to improve things

• – He got the job because his father knows all the bosses and he pulled a few strings. It’s not what you know, but who you know!

pull the plug

– withdraw support, stop work on a project

• – The school has to reduce costs by 25% so they have pulled the plug on the plan to get a native English teacher
• – The shoe company pulled the plug on the sponsorship of the basketball team. The players will have to pay for the transport.

pull the rug out from under you

– surprise so that the “normal” is changed, make something unstable

• – The bosses pulled the rug out from under James, now he can’t select his own staff.

PULL means bring something in your direction, it’s usually the opposite of PUSH. There are more expressions or idioms with PULL here;